England’s rugby team faces a critical moment ahead of their Six Nations clash with Ireland, and much of their success will depend on how they use their individual brilliance in conjunction with a solid, structured team performance. England has shown in recent years that they are capable of moments of magic thanks to players like Marcus Smith but they can’t rely on those sparks alone. Smith is undoubtedly a gifted player, capable of producing moments of brilliance out of nothing, but there’s a limit to how often he can pull a rabbit out of a hat.
To have a real chance in Dublin, England needs to tighten up their game and provide Smith with more than just his instinctive play. His dazzling runs, counterattacks, and interceptions are exciting, but they’re not a sustainable strategy for winning big matches. England needs to build on their shape and attacking patterns to create a more consistent platform for Smith and the team as a whole.
In recent months, much of Smith’s best work has come when he’s been allowed to play off his instincts, rather than within a structured game plan. This is where England can improve. A well-executed shape and structure give a fly-half like Smith more options to choose from, allowing him to pick the right play at the right moment. Without a reliable system in place, Smith doesn’t have the same level of support and variety to choose from, which limits his impact.
Despite this, there’s a tendency to place the blame for England’s attacking struggles solely on Smith’s shoulders, given his position as fly-half. However, it’s clear that the team’s struggles with structure and attack are not due to his lack of decision-making but rather the lack of a clear, drilled structure around him. The truth is, when Smith has quality ball and the right options, he excels in making the right decisions. But to give him those chances, the team needs to improve their collective attack.
England’s attack isn’t solely reliant on Smith, though. Henry Slade’s role will be crucial in this year’s Six Nations. The team needs to rely on Slade’s playmaking ability to create chances for Smith and other attacking players like Ollie Lawrence. Slade’s defensive work will also be important, but his ability to assist in attack and connect the backline is just as critical. A performance from Slade similar to his 2019 outing in Dublin would provide a massive boost.
One key point of focus for England will be balancing structure with individual flair. Ideally, a large portion of their points should come from well-executed plays and patterns, with moments of individual brilliance as a supplementary asset. While individual moments of magic can be a difference-maker, relying on them exclusively is not a sustainable path to victory.
Looking at the squad Steve Borthwick has chosen, it’s clear that the defensive side of the game is where England will look to dominate. Players like Tom and Ben Curry are essential in disrupting Ireland’s flow and limiting their ability to build phases. If the Currys, along with Ben Earl and Luke Cowan-Dickie, perform well at the breakdown and create turnover ball, it could offer England valuable opportunities in transition.
The return of Alex Mitchell at scrum-half is another positive, as his quick delivery will help England maintain tempo and capitalize on turnover situations. The back three of the team Cadan Murley, Freddie Steward, and Tommy Freeman are also players to watch, and their form could be crucial in the attacking phases.
Individually, England has players in good form and capable of making a difference. However, the real challenge will be whether the team can come together as a cohesive unit, greater than the sum of its parts. With a well-balanced attack and tight defense, England has the potential to challenge Ireland and make a serious impact in the Six Nations.
